On 10 December 2024, ASN issued a position statement(1) on the guidelines for the generic phase of the fifth periodic safety review of the 32 reactors of 900 Megawatts electric (MWe) operated by EDF. ASN considers that this review should primarily look at conformity and installations ageing management and at reinforcing how the effects of climate change are addressed. It shall allow consolidation of the important safety improvements made to the reactors during their fourth periodic safety review. 1. asn.fr/information/archives-des-actualites/l-asn-prend-position-sur-les-orientations-du-5e-reexamen-periodique-des-reacteurs-de-900-MWe The 900 MWe reactors are currently the oldest in France. They were commissioned between 1978 and 1987. This fifth periodic safety review will define the conditions for their fitness for service beyond 50 years. The fourth periodic safety review, which is currently being implemented on each reactor, is particularly detailed. Its aim is to move towards the safety level of the third- generation reactors and to complete the deployment of the “hardened safety core” defined in the wake of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP – Japan). This review will continue until the last reactor in 2036. In the light of the major modifications made as a result of the fourth periodic safety review, not all the hazards and environmental impacts will be reassessed during the fifth periodic safety review. This will primarily focus on: • verifying the conformity of the installations with their applicable requirements, maintaining equipment qualification and managing ageing, for operation up to 60 years; • the effects of climate change, whether regarding managing the risks of accident (rise in sea level, heat-waves, etc.), or the impact on the environment (water intake and consumption). The guidelines of the fifth periodic safety review of the 900 MWe reactors 01 I 02 I 03 I 04 NOTABLE EVENTS 2024 20 ABSTRACTS – ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2024
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